Louis Armstrong - Hot Fives & Hot Sevens, Vol. 2 [Columbia]

More excellent Hot Fives and Hot Sevens transfers from the JSP label. Beyond being bowled over by the presence and clarity of these perennial Armstrong performances, listeners get a chance to really hear the fine solos and group interplay by Hot Fives regulars Johnny Dodds, Kid Ory, Lil Armstrong, and Johnny St. Cyr. In addition to turning in inspired work on standout cuts like "Struttin' With Some Barbecue," the group holds its own on numbers featuring Armstrong and famed Chicago blues guitarist Lonnie Johnson, including the classic "Hotter Than That." Adding tuba player Peter Briggs, drummer Baby Dodds, and trombonist John Thomas (who replaces Kid Ory), the Hot Fives become the Hot Sevens and reel off immortal tracks like "Potato Head Blues" and "S.O.L. Blues."..... Read More